The truth in sustaining relationships

This past weekend I attended the memorial service for the husband of my former boss and mentor. It was a beautiful celebration of a remarkable man. As I looked around the room after the service, I was struck by how many familiar faces I saw: former colleagues and partners I hadn’t seen in a decade or more. Some had moved across the country. Others had changed careers entirely. Many had retired.

Yet there we all were.

What brought us together wasn’t a business obligation or professional courtesy. It was something far more profound: genuine connection, deep care, and love.
In our professional lives, we often measure success through metrics, deliverables, and outcomes. We celebrate the business won, the successful launches and exceeded targets. And while those achievements do matter, this weekend reminded me that they aren’t what endure.

What endures are the relationships we build and nurture along the way.

Looking around that room and reconnecting with so many, I realized that while our professional paths had diverged years ago, the bonds remained intact. What brought us together were shared values around professional excellence and results,  but what kept us connected was friendship, trust, shared stories, and mutual respect.

On my walk yesterday morning, I found myself thinking about what truly matters in this long and often surprising path we call a career. Yes, getting the job done matters. Delivering results matters. But perhaps what matters most is how we connect with others while doing so.

Because when all is said and done, our legacy won’t be measured in quarterly reports or performance reviews. It’s measured in the lives we’ve touched, the trust we’ve built, and the connections that sustain.

While we were all gathered to honor the life and legacy of a great man and to hold our friend with support and love, we were all reminded of the power of connection and I am so grateful.

#Relationships #Connection #Leadership #Belonging #Trust